Stephen Ireland could follow in the footsteps of Glenn Hoddle and John Collins after Monaco made it clear they will consider a swap deal with Aston Villa for him and Dieumerci Mbokani.
Monaco made their interest in Ireland known last week with chief executive Marc Keller, a former West Ham and Portsmouth midfielder, a confirmed fan of the 24-year-old.
Ireland is attracting attention from Premier League clubs but is rated at around £7m by Villa which is prohibitive while the player himself is unsure whether to leave as speculation continues over Gerard Houllier's long-term future.
Wants out: Stephen Ireland is a target for Monaco
However, Monaco are ready to use 6ft 1ins striker Mbokani having decided to offload him and knowing that Villa are among a group of clubs to express interest.
Mbokani, who has attracted inquiries from Everton and West Ham, would fit into Villa's style with his pace and power and is keen to work with a French coach such as Houllier.
On the move: Dieumerci Mbokani could leave Monaco
Meanwhile, Curtis Davies returned to Aston Villa yesterday, and was subject of an inquiry by Queen's Park Rangers.
Davies finished a loan spell at Leicester City and was waiting to hear whether their £2.5m offer would be accepted. QPR's request comes after Villa asked to take Kyle Walker on loan from Tottenham who has been key to QPR's promotion drive this season.
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Explore more:People: Gerard Houllier, Glenn Hoddle, John Collins Places: Monaco, Monaco, Ireland